Calgary, Canada (Monday, May 2, 2005) - Four months ago, Canadian Alpine Ski Team athlete Jan Hudec suffered a season-ending knee injury during a World Cup downhill in Val d'Isère, France. Sitting out part of the season is nothing new for Hudec: he was sidelined the previous year after tearing the ligaments of the same knee in a Nor-Am super-G in Beaver Creek (CO).

Hudec had a fantastic early season result, finishing 7th in the downhill at Lake Louise just two weeks prior to his injury. He remains positive despite being forced to sit out most of the season following such a promising start. When not gearing up for spin class or lifting weights at the gym, Hudec works at the Alpine Canada office where he has become a semi-permanent fixture on the fourth floor of the National Ski Team office.

"I started working at the Alpine Canada office in mid-January to help the accounting department," Hudec said from behind his paper-cluttered desk. "Working here sure beats sitting at home and feeling sorry for myself. It is a great balance between all of the physio and workout sessions."

The 23 year-old speed specialist's career best performances on skis include four top-25 results on the World Cup circuit.

Hudec, who has worked with the office "team" following his first injury, says he got the idea after Emily Brydon, another successful Canadian Alpine Ski Team member, spent some of her time in the office during her rehabilitation from knee injury four years ago.

"I really enjoy getting to know all the people who work behind the scenes in the office and have a lot of respect for the hard work they do. It's amazing how much effort and resources go into running a National Sports Organization," admitted Hudec. "I would encourage anyone on the team to at least stop by the office when in Calgary, even to just say hi and get to know the people who make it possible for us to race and be successful."

Hudec says being around the office staff and keeping busy has kept him motivated throughout his recovery. After an intense winter of rehabilitation, he is ready to begin the 2005/2006 racing season on the right foot.

"I will rejoin the team early May for summer dry land camps and I will be back on snow in August," added Hudec who is encouraged by his speedy recovery. "I am extremely excited about hitting the slopes and also anxious to work towards meeting the selection criteria to be at the Torino Olympics."